September 23, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

Contact:

Dan Anderson

503-823-3723

dan.anderson@portlandoregon.gov

 

MEDIA EVENT:

Walk + Bike to School Day is Oct. 6

 

WHAT

In celebration of International Walk + Bike to School Day, the Portland Bureau of Transportation is hosting a media event with the students of Atkinson Elementary that includes Mayor Sam Adams and local dignitaries. More than 150 children and parents are expected to attend.

 

Once at school, this diverse group of students and parents will get some encouragement from Mayor Sam Adams and enjoy snacks. Parents, guardians, local dignitaries and media will have the opportunity to connect and interview over coffee once students enter the school for class.

 

WHY

Experts say that children need at least 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Sadly, our kids aren’t getting it. As the rates of walking and biking to school have plummeted in this country, childhood obesity rates have more than tripled. The Portland Bureau of Transportation wants to improve childhood health by showing students and their parents that walking and biking to school is a fun and healthy way to get to school.

 

WHO

Portland Mayor Sam Adams will be joined by more than 150 students and parents walking and biking to school. They will accompany representatives from Portland Public Schools, Oregon Department of Transportation, Kaiser Permanente, Portland Police Bureau and Portland Bureau of Transportation. Additionally, several students and a physician will be available for interviews.

 

WHERE

Atkinson Elementary - 5800 SE Division St., Portland, OR‎ 97206

 

WHEN

Wednesday, October 6, 2009 from 8 to 9 a.m. Four walking school buses will depart early October 6th, converging at Atkinson Elementary at 8:15am.

 

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